On East Pearl Street at Julia Street, on the right when traveling east on East Pearl Street.
Formed 1901, the Alva Book Club, was incorporated as the Alva Library Association November 15, 1906. It provided the first public library in Southwest Florida on this lot donated by Captain Peter Nelson, Alva's founder. This library was dedicated . . . — — Map (db m128652) HM
On West 3rd Street just east of Gilchrist Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
Side1
The oldest church on the island. On Jan.10, 1910 the Rev. D.B. Sweat was sent to minister to the needs of the growing community. Six months later the church was chartered with 17 members as Boca Grande Methodist Episcopal Church, . . . — — Map (db m156467) HM
On Railroad Avenue, 0.1 miles south of 7th Street East, on the right when traveling north.
The Gasparilla Inn, built by the Boca Grande Land Company, subsidiary of a national phosphate company that was an early major island land holder, opened in 1911. Under the leadership of company principal, Peter Bradley (1850-1933), the hotel . . . — — Map (db m128322) HM
On Park Avenue at 4th Street West, on the right when traveling north on Park Avenue.
On November 28th, 1905, the steamboat Mistletoe of Tampa with the engineer corps and a force of sixty laborers landed on the beach directly opposite this spot, and the initial work of surveying and constructing the Charlotte Harbor and Northern . . . — — Map (db m128324) HM
On 4th Street West at Gilchrist Avenue, on the right when traveling west on 4th Street West.
The First Baptist Church of Boca Grande is the oldest church building on Gasparilla Island and housed one of the island’s two oldest congregations. In the early 1900s, phosphate companies decided to use the port of Boca Grande as a primary shipping . . . — — Map (db m128323) HM
On Dean Street at Home Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Dean Street.
This school contains two historic building and is a rare example of a historical school that continues to serve its original function. The rural village of Bonita Springs, originally called Survey, grew during the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s and . . . — — Map (db m127699) HM
On Cape Coral Parkway East, 0.2 miles east of Southeast 17th Place, on the right when traveling west.
Near here on the Caloosahatchee River a band of 160 Indians attacked the Fort and Trading Post at four o'clock on the morning of July 23, 1839. In the raid led by Chief Chekaika of the Spanish Indians, thirteen soldiers died and fourteen, including . . . — — Map (db m127695) HM
On Southeast 23rd Terrace, 0.4 miles east of Southeast 21st Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This monument immortalizes the famous photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal during the American victory over Japan on the island of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. One of the most iconic images of World War II, the . . . — — Map (db m127696) HM
On Captiva Drive, 0.1 miles north of Paige Court, on the right when traveling north.
'Tween Waters Inn was established on Captiva Island by F. Bowman and Grace B. Price in 1931. They started the inn with a single building and expanded it over the next 30 years, adding guest cottages, a marina, and other buildings as they built their . . . — — Map (db m94924) HM
Side 1
Dr. Cyrus Read Teed, Founder of the Koreshan Unity and President of the Koreshan University of Chicago, established in 1892 his "College of Life" in Estero, Florida, as a cooperative community in the spirit of Christ's teaching.
"We . . . — — Map (db m171462) HM
In 1893, the Koreshans, a religious sect
founded by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed moved here.
Communal living and a belief that the universe
existed on the inside of the earth were
among the distinctive features of their
doctrine. Living celibate lives, . . . — — Map (db m16038) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
“Beyond doubt you have the finest place in the country, and if you build a sea wall inside a few years this section will not be large enough to hold the tourists that will be scrambling to get here every winter. Yes, sir, by all means build . . . — — Map (db m90286) HM
Near Edwards Drive east of Monroe Street, on the left when traveling east.
(left panel)
On July 20 1861, U.S. Army Officer Major French wrote to U.S. Naval Officer McKean "I have information that a schooner, fitted out as a slaver is in the Caloosahatchee River. Her appointments I am told are full."
On . . . — — Map (db m218724) HM WM
The Six Mile Cypress Slough has a diverse array of plants that occur in recognizable zones. Ecological conditions such as ground elevations, soil types and water depths determine the vegetation character of these communities. As you continue to . . . — — Map (db m106520) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
Edison, Ford, and Firestone formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in 1927 to find a fast-growing, natural source of rubber that could be grown in the United States. The banyan tree was one of more than 17,000 plant specimens that were . . . — — Map (db m89867) HM
Kayak clinics and guided trips available. Please check flyers available at the visitor center for more information or visit our website at www.leeparks.org
Be a real friend to our wildlife: Stay a stranger
Paddling provides you with very . . . — — Map (db m106693)
What are Butterflies
Butterflies and Moths are insects that belong to the order Lepidoptera. The Greek word for scale (lepid) and wing (ptera) is joined to mean scale-wing. Their body four wings, and six legs are almost entirely covered with . . . — — Map (db m106681) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Clara Bryant Ford had a passion for roses and grew over 350 varieties and 10,000 plants at the family’s estate, Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan. Mrs. Ford’s favorites were tea roses in shades of yellow and white.
Did you know Clara Ford hired . . . — — Map (db m89877) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Some of the Seminole Lodge Staff
Queenie Adams · J.F. Anderson · Mr. Bassler · Mr. & Mrs. Black · Ellen Carr · Michael & Tina Doyle · James Evans · Harvie Heitman · William Hibble · Henry Horsey · Noah Keen ·
George Kinze · Fred Ott · Sidney . . . — — Map (db m90273) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Edison created a large domestic support area for the Estate on the east side of McGregor Boulevard. Storage buildings, equipment, a truck garden, and even a horse were located there. On the west side, retaining and expanding the Caretaker’s House on . . . — — Map (db m90275) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
The Edison Estate riverside buildings were originally built in 1886 and remodeled slightly throughout the years.
The sprawling Edison Seminole Lodge is made up of the Family Home, connecting pergola and Guest House. The Edison Moonlight Garden . . . — — Map (db m89873) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard (State Road 867) south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Edison’s plan of a “Floridian bower in the lowlands of the peninsular Eden, with that charmed zone of beauty” was realized as he completed the Seminole Lodge Estate.
By the fall of 1885 designs were completed and materials for . . . — — Map (db m89863) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Entry in Seminole Lodge Guest Book
—Harrie Monkhouse, Guest
March 21-April 3, 1916
Have you ever dreamed a dream of Heaven?
Where the Garden of Eden grows?
Well, come down with me to the Florida Coast
Where the Caloosahatchee . . . — — Map (db m90284) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
This garden area has been created to reflect the Edison original plan for the Estate landscape. It commemorates the legacy of Thomas and Mina Edison and other groups and individuals involved in the cultural landscape of the Edison & Ford Winter . . . — — Map (db m89866) HM
On Euclid Avenue, 0.1 miles west of Cortez Boulevard, on the left when traveling east.
Historic Edison Park School, a public elementary school, is one of the oldest in Southwest Florida. It has played a prominent role in the cultural as well as the educational life of this community.
Started in 1926 and opened on March 30, 1927, it . . . — — Map (db m101017) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
The pier was originally called “the wharf.” It was used as a working area to off-load boats carrying materials and contents for the homes and laboratory, beginning in November 1885. After the Estate buildings were complete, the pier’s . . . — — Map (db m90285) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
“Madeleine, Marie, Theodore and the two maids have gone bathing in the hotel pool—so everybody is happy," wrote Mina to family, April 7, 1909.
By the 1911 winter season the family and staff no longer had to travel downtown to the . . . — — Map (db m90287) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Famous inventor and businessman Thomas Edison visited Forty Myers in early 1885. He planned to find a warm retreat to escape the cold winters of his home base in West Orange, New Jersey. Along with friends, he made his way to Fort Myers from the . . . — — Map (db m89878) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
When Edison created plans for his Florida retreat in 1885, water was a major concern to supplement the shallow well at the existing Caretaker’s House. This may have been dug for the Summerlin family before Edison purchased the property.
By . . . — — Map (db m90289) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
In his initial plans for the property, Edison included a laboratory for his Florida estate. Through he anticipated leisure time, he also needed a place to pursue inventing. Of the many experiments he worked on in this laboratory, one focused on a . . . — — Map (db m90282) HM
Near Palm Beach Boulevard (State Road 80) 1.5 miles east of Interstate 75, on the right when traveling east.
Nature has been good to Lee County, one of the last frontiers to be settled in southwest Florida. Nestled between the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, the county includes a variety of interconnected ecosystems. Careful planning has preserved much . . . — — Map (db m105731) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
In 1909, a major project was undertaken to install a fire control system at the Edison estate. Water for the system was supplied from a well on the east side of the property (across McGregor Boulevard) and directed to three large tanks located on . . . — — Map (db m90283) HM
On First Street (State Road 80) south of Jackson Street, on the left when traveling south.
Fort Myers, like many South Florida communities, developed during the last half of the 19th century. First Street (once called Front Street) became the heart of the new town, In 1866, Manuel A, Gonzalez and Joseph Vivas took up residence at the . . . — — Map (db m131368) HM
On First Street at Jackson Street, on the right when traveling west on First Street.
In this vicinity, Caloosa Indian villages were located in ancient times. Around this site, in the Seminole War of 1841-1842, a fort was established and named for Lieutenant John Harvie. The fort was re-established in 1850 and named Fort Myers, . . . — — Map (db m183545) HM
In Southwest Florida, it is often necessary to have storm water retention areas on developed properties. At Manatee Park, this water retention area was planted with wetland vegetation to provide wildlife habitat, improve aesthetics and help filter . . . — — Map (db m106677)
The Great Blue Heron (Ardea hernias) is a wetland bird that lives in the Slough year round. It is quite adaptable and can live in habitats like marshes, streams and lakes. The heron’s range is from Florida to the coastline of Alaska. As a top . . . — — Map (db m106512)
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
In 1914, Thomas Edison invited Henry Ford, wife Clara, and son Edsel to the Edison Florida estate. In 1916, the Fords purchased their Fort Myers estate, The Mangoes. The Ford family visited regularly with good friends and neighbors, Thomas and Mina . . . — — Map (db m89883) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford first met in 1896 at a New York conference of the Edison Illuminating Companies. Ford worked as a mechanic at the Detroit Edison plant. The two were not reacquainted again until 1910, when Edison responded to Ford’s . . . — — Map (db m89885) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
The Henry Ford Home was built in 1911 and is an example of the “American Bungalow” architectural style. From the exterior one sees the characteristics of cedar-shingle siding, wide covered porches, gabled metal roof, and dormers with . . . — — Map (db m89879) HM
Near Gladiolus Drive (County Road 865) at Old Gladiolus Drive, on the left when traveling north.
The Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia built #143 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1905. #143 was used to switch freight cars in rail yards around Charleston, South Carolina. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad was the first railroad to . . . — — Map (db m90843) HM
Manatee Island, in the Caloosahatchee River, is hereby donated to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to inspire a renewed interest in land dedicated to the formation of the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, established July 1, 1920, by . . . — — Map (db m106680) HM
Manatee Mating
Female manatees reach sexual maturity at age 3 but will not breed successfully until 6 to 10 years of age. Males are sexually mature at age of two. Manatee mating herds are made up of sexually mature males and female. Within . . . — — Map (db m106685) HM
Mangroves are tropical trees that grow along the coastline in mixed salt and freshwater, or estuarine environments. They live in wet soil, are highly salt tolerant and flourish in areas periodically submerged by tides. Florida is home to three . . . — — Map (db m108027) HM
On McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
Mina Miller married Thomas Alva Edison in 1886. This was the same year that the two began to create their winter estate in Fort Myers.
During their many years in Fort Myers, the Edison enjoyed creating areas for botanical research and family . . . — — Map (db m89865) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Motor Generator
The Hertner Electric Company
Cleveland, Ohio
Serial No. 2528
15 hp 220v 30 60 Hz
37A 1750 RPM
400 C Continuous Duty
Throughout the history of Seminole Lodge various equipment was used to supply or produce . . . — — Map (db m90288) HM
Manatees spend six to eight hours each day feeding. Manatees feed on more than 60 species of aquatic or semi-aquatic plants including sea grasses, mangrove leaves and water hyacinths. Manatee burn a great deal of energy to maintain their body . . . — — Map (db m108028) HM
Side A
Miss Eugenia Washington, great grandniece of President George Washington, was one of 3 Founders of National Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, June 7, 1898; Washington, D.C. in the year of the Spanish American . . . — — Map (db m183552) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Orchid Lane developed as a natural path from the mango trees that formed a line down both the Edison and Ford properties. Orchids are air plants, or epiphytes, which do not require soil to grow. They receive nutrients from the air, rainwater and . . . — — Map (db m89875) HM
Manatees aren’t the only animals that visit Manatee Park. A wide range of native Florida wildlife can be seen at the park. Some are just passing through, while others are full-time residents. What other wildlife do you see?
Black vulture . . . — — Map (db m106676) HM
Near Connecticut Street east of Shell Mound Boulevard, on the left when traveling east.
The story of people and plants provides a continuous thread from the Calusa to early Estero Island settlers, and to the present and future generations. With all the great advances in science and technology, people still rely on natural resources to . . . — — Map (db m90988) HM
This high and dry habitat provides food and shelter for many species of animals among the shaded canopy, fallen logs and rich decaying leaf litter.
Pine flatwoods depend on prescribed fire to keep the canopy relative open, the understory in check, . . . — — Map (db m106686) HM
Near Connecticut Street east of Shell Mound Boulevard, on the left when traveling east.
It is hard to imagine now, but when the earliest settlers arrived on the Mound the surrounding habitat was very different. Native plants dominated the landscape. Years would pass before the Estero Island settlers could profit from agriculture . . . — — Map (db m90985) HM
Near Edwards Drive east of Hendry Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Municipal Pleasure Pier, built in 1927 just west of where the Caloosahatchee Bridge is today, was part of a $300,000 recreation center which included a swimming pool, horseshoes and a dance floor. By 1943, the pilings were rotted and when the . . . — — Map (db m183549) HM
The manatee’s closest living relative is the elephant. They have a number of features in common. Manatees have a flexible prehensile lip that functions in a similar way to the trunk of an elephant. It grabs vegetation and places it in the animal’s . . . — — Map (db m106684) HM
How do I know if I can keep a fish?
Florida has more anglers than any other state. To protect our fisheries the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manage game fish using closed seasons, size limits and bag limits. Check . . . — — Map (db m106691) HM
On Monroe Street south of Bay Street, on the left when traveling south. Reported permanently removed.
The erection of this monument was sponsored by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Fort Myers Chapter, and completed in 1966 A.D. with the assistance of the citizens of Lee County in honor of the man for whom this county was named. — — Map (db m246210) WM
The scrub is a rare and unique habitat where ground cover is sparse due to the dry, low nutrient environment. Plants and animals living in the scrub have adapted to the harsh conditions. Gopher tortoise need sandy, dry land areas to create their . . . — — Map (db m106687) HM
The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem, which measures 11 miles in length and averages 1/3 mile in width.
It is home to a diversity of plants and animals, a number of which are endangered. The preserve is an . . . — — Map (db m106518) HM
Wetlands like the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve were once considered to be a nuisance to “progress”. Many were drained and filled for agricultural and developmental purposes.
People have begun to realize that wetlands are valuable . . . — — Map (db m106516) HM
Manatees are large, brownish-gray, seal-shaped marine mammals.
Adult manatees can grow up to 13 feet and weigh up to 3,000 pounds.
Female manatees are usually larger than males.
Skeleton not fat
A majority of a manatee’s body weight . . . — — Map (db m106678) HM
On First Street at Vivas Court, on the right when traveling east on First Street.
In December 1863, the Army post of Fort Myers, inactive since 1858, was reoccupied. The fort served as a supply depot for the Federal blockade squadron. Troops from the fort often raided Confederate supply depots in the state's interior, since . . . — — Map (db m208747) HM
Why do manatees visit Manatee Park?
Biologists believe the historic winter range of the manatee was centered in southern Florida with small groups spending the winter at a few natural springs in northern Florida. The construction of power . . . — — Map (db m106672) HM
Near Edwards Drive east of Hendry Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Caloosahatchee River was the main highway for travel and commerce for many years after the settlement of Fort Myers. Even before Fort Harvie was established in 1841 (later renamed Fort Myers, in 1850) and the first permanent settlers (led by . . . — — Map (db m183546) HM
Though a manatee’s appearance is far from what you might see in your bathroom mirror, humans and manatee are more closely related than you might think.
Breathe Air
Manatees have lungs just like humans. When active, they surface every . . . — — Map (db m106679) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
The Moonlight Garden was designed in 1928 by Ellen Biddle Shipman, one of the first female landscape architects in America. She specialized in enclosed gardens, full of drift beds where flowers of beauty bloomed in cycles throughout the year. . . . — — Map (db m90277) HM
South Florida Restoration Project:
Working to save an ecosystem at risk…
At one time, water moved through the Everglades in vast, shallow flow, which led Marjory Stoneman Douglas to call the Everglades: “River of Grass.” . . . — — Map (db m106673) HM
As the sun sets, many animals prepare to sleep for the night…and others are just waking up.
Theses two “shifts” help predators avoid competing with each other for food and space.
While we are at home sleeping, night time at the . . . — — Map (db m106523)
Protecting, conserving, and enhancing our nation’s priceless fish and wildlife resources are the primary responsibilities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service oversees marine mammal protection, wildlife law enforcement , migratory . . . — — Map (db m106674) HM
Near McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
Named the 20th century “Man of the Millennium” by LIFE Magazine, Thomas Alva Edison is best known for perfecting a commercially viable incandescent light bulb. However, Edison was also a newspaper printer, telegrapher, inventor, . . . — — Map (db m89864) HM
Discovering travel patterns and habits of manatees helps researchers understand them and helps State and Federal Agencies protect them. There are several different ways researchers track manatee travels.
Photo Identification . . . — — Map (db m106682) HM
Leaves changing color and cooler weather let humans know when seasons are changing. In Florida the seasonal changes are more subtle, but recognized by the Florida manatee.
Manatees are usually found in shallow, slow-moving water. They are . . . — — Map (db m106675) HM
Near Bay Road, 0.2 miles north of Estero Boulevard (County Route 865), on the left when traveling north.
This beachfront cottage was built in 1921 by Joseph A. Davidson and was the 4th house built on the island.
It was located on Mango Street and nearly demolished by the 1944 hurricane. It is long remembered as Sue Davidson’s San Castle . . . — — Map (db m246382) HM
On Buckingham Road at Ada Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Buckingham Road.
During World War II, nearly 50,000 soldiers earned their wings as aerial gunners at the Buckingham Army Air Field’s (BAAF) Flexible Gunnery School. As one of only six gunnery schools in the United States, BAAF was in operation from 1942 until the . . . — — Map (db m127515) HM
Near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (Florida Route 82) 0.1 miles west of Henderson Avenue.
Williams Academy, originally located between Lemon Street and Anderson Avenue (later MLK Boulevard), was built in 1913. Named for J. S. Williams, the Lee County Supervisor of Colored Schools, it was Lee County's first government-funded school for . . . — — Map (db m160805) HM
On Gunnery Road North at Sunset Road, on the right when traveling north on Gunnery Road North.
Early in 1942, the United States Government leased 6,500 acres of mostly brush, palmetto trees, and in some places pine stumps left from previous logging operations, to establish a flexible gunnery training school on this site. Construction of the . . . — — Map (db m127516) HM
Near Periwinkle Way, 1.7 miles east of Causeway Boulevard.
The first permanent English-speaking settlers on Sanibel Island arrived from New York in 1833 as part of a colony planned by land investors. Although that settlement was short-lived, the initial colonists petitioned the U.S. government for the . . . — — Map (db m80475) HM
Do you know how mollusk babies are born? Sexes are separate in most mollusks, but some will have both sexes in the same individual (hermaphrodites).
In other cases, such as in quahog clams and slipper snails, the mollusk undergoes sex . . . — — Map (db m106276) HM
Shells are made by mollusks. A shell is the main source of protection from predators and the environment. There are more than 300 species of mollusks living in the shallow waters around Sanibel and Captiva Islands. These mollusks can be found living . . . — — Map (db m106278) HM
Gopher tortoise Gopherus polphemus
Adult
Identification
Length 8-15 inches (20-38cm)
Weight: Up to 30lbs (14 kg) average 8-10lbs (4-5kg)
Color: Adults are grayish brown, and juveniles area a yellowish brown.
Legs and feet: . . . — — Map (db m106271) HM
Sanibel’s bay waters, where freshwater of the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico are some of the richest fishing grounds in the world. But our local waters need our help. Caloosahatchee restoration is not possible without Everglades . . . — — Map (db m106280) HM
Sea turtles have been swimming the Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years. They are air-breathing reptiles adapted to life at sea. They vary in size from the small Kemp’s Ridley turtle that weights 100 pounds to the enormous leatherback . . . — — Map (db m106275) HM
The coast provides nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds. Sanibel is a rest stop for birds flying thousands of miles and seeking out some time to rest and feed along their way.
Snowy Egret
Ghost Crab
Ghost crabs burrow . . . — — Map (db m106273) HM